Recherche

One Step Closer to Self-Government for the Délı̨nę Community in Northwest Territories

OTTAWA, Dec. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - An important milestone has been reached
yesterday in the community of Délı̨nę with the initialling of the
Délı̨nę Final Self-Government Agreement (FSGA). This brings this
community closer to having control over the decisions that affect their
day-to-day lives, including how programs and services will be
delivered.

"Today Délı̨nę is taking a major step toward self-determination and
shows Canada is making progress on its northern strategy," said Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development. "Self-government is an important tool that can help create
a more positive and stable environment for investment and growth, and
give the community greater control over its future."

"Aboriginal governments are critical partners in helping the Government
of the Northwest Territories create a strong, prosperous NWT that
provides opportunities in all our communities and regions," said Bob
McLeod, Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and
Intergovernmental Relations for the Government of the Northwest
Territories. "Initialing is an important step in Délı̨nę's journey
towards self-government. We support the establishment of strong
Aboriginal governments to work with us to advance the interests of all
people of the territory."

"This agreement has been 18 years in the making. With the guidance of
our Elders, our negotiation team stayed the course to get this done
right for our people," said Délı̨nę First Nation Chief Leonard Kenny.
"With this agreement we will finally be able to make decisions here at
the community level. I think that will make a real difference in
peoples' lives."

The Délı̨nę FSGA will create a new government for the Délı̨nę District
and bring together the authorities, programs and services of the
Charter Community, the Délı̨nę Land Corporation and the Délı̨nę First Nation.

"Having just one government for Délı̨nę will allow us to do more for
our beneficiaries and all residents," said Gina Dolphus, President of
the Délı̨nę Land Corporation. "I encourage all eligible voters to take
the time to learn about this agreement and ask their questions so they
can make an informed decision."

The Délı̨nę FSGA also contains a wide range of powers that will give
the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Délı̨nę more control over the decisions
that affect their day-to-day lives, including how programs and services
will be delivered. The Délı̨nę FSGA covers responsibilities in the
areas of culture, language, education, social services, governing
structures, Délı̨nę First Nation citizenship, elections, and local
government services.

The Délı̨nę FSGA must first be voted on by members of the Délı̨nę
First Nation and beneficiaries of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement who are registered with the Délı̨nę Land Corporation. These
individuals can vote on the Délı̨nę FSGA regardless of where they
live. The Délı̨nę FSGA will then need to be approved by both the
Government of Northwest Territories and Canada and given force and
effect through territorial and federal legislation.

The Délı̨nę ratification vote is planned for March 10 to 12, 2014, in
Délı̨nę and Yellowknife. There will also be a mail-in ballot and
advance polls arranged to ensure everyone has a chance to vote.